Slain agent's boyfriend re-enacts grisly discovery for police

Twenty-four-year-old real estate agent Lindsay Buziak, centre, was found dead in a vacant house in Saanich, B.C., on Feb. 2, 2008.Photo by
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SAANICH -- Jason Zailo, the boyfriend of slain real estate agent Lindsay Buziak, returned to 1702 De Sousa Pl. on Wednesday to help Saanich police re-enact events surrounding her killing.

At the same time, investigators confirmed that Ms. Buziak died from multiple stab wounds, according to a forensic autopsy conducted Tuesday. But in order to protect the ongoing investigation, they wouldn't reveal the extent of her injuries, other than to say there was no evidence she was sexually assaulted.

So far, Saanich police have refused to identify Mr. Zailo as the person who made two 911 calls Saturday around 6 p.m. about Ms. Buziak's welfare. But friends say he went to the vacant house in Gordon Head that evening with a friend to check on Ms. Buziak, who had been uneasy about a 5:30 p.m. appointment to show the home to a new client.

Mr. Zailo told friends he found Ms. Buziak's body up against the wall on the floor of an upstairs bedroom in the newly built home.

During the re-enactment Wednesday, members of the media were asked to clear away from the scene. Torquay Place, which leads to De Sousa Place, was closed to traffic while investigators filmed a non-descript beige sedan pulling onto the cul de sac, then pulling into the driveway.

After a while, the car turned around and drove off in the same direction. Then, Mr. Zailo arrived with Bradley Hickford, a high-profile local criminal defence lawyer.

"I have no comment with respect to anything," Mr. Hickford said Wednesday night when asked about representing Mr. Zailo.

He added: "My client's not charged with anything."

Saanich police have said emergency crews raced to the home on Saturday evening after receiving two 911 calls. The first call at 6:15 p.m. came from outside the house. The caller asked police to check on Ms. Buziak.

The caller then entered the house through an unlocked door and found her body upstairs. He made a second 911 call asking for medical assistance.

When police arrived at the scene, they met two witnesses.

"They are being very helpful in our investigation," said Const. Brad Brajcich.

Police are also very interested in finding out the identity of a woman with a strong foreign accent who called Ms. Buziak Saturday afternoon and asked the young woman to show her properties in the $1-million range. The woman allegedly told Ms. Buziak she intended to buy that day. Later, Ms. Buziak reportedly received a phone call from a man who said he alone would meet with her. Ms. Buziak told friends in her Re/Max Camosun office that she was uncomfortable about the appointment. She asked Mr. Zailo to meet her at the house.

Const. Brajcich did not say if the caller wanted to see the vacant house on De Sousa Place or if that was a property Ms. Buziak chose to show.

Investigators are interviewing many of Ms. Buziak's friends and checking into her background to try to find out the motive for her killing. Mr. Zailo, ex-boyfriend Matt MacDuff, and his new girlfriend have talked to police.

Another young female real estate agent, Jasmine Parsons, who previously dated Mr. Zailo, told police she received a suspicious call from a woman with a heavy foreign accent the day after Ms. Buziak was killed.

Before the re-enactment Wednesday, Saanich detectives continued their investigation inside the home, which is still sealed off with yellow crime tape. Investigators were seen taking photographs inside the house. Twenty-five officers have been assigned to the case.

"People in the profession are concerned and they're still in shock," said Mr. Markham. "It's just a bad feeling right now. We have big concerns about the cause and why. We still need to carry on."

The group has created a task force to try to enhance security for those who work in the profession.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew's Cathedral, 740 View St. at 1 p.m. In her obituary published in Thursday's Times Colonist, Ms. Buziak's family says: "We wish to thank everyone for their kind words, support and comforting actions. The outpouring of love is overwhelming. We also wish to thank and acknowledge Saanich police for all their hard work and efforts in bringing justice to those responsible for this heinous crime."

Finally, the family asks anyone with information to contact police.

Saanich police have established a tip line and are encouraging the public to come forward even if they think the information is minor. Call Saanich police at 475-4321 and ask for the tip line or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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